Monday, August 26, 2013

Girl Talk


I'm currently in the process of assembling an outfit for an upcoming wedding.  I don't usually buy my clothes online.  However, after striking out in several stores I decided to browse online to see what I could find.  I ended up ordering three possibilities from Dillards.com.  Once they arrived I had them hanging from the laundry room door and without being asked my family members offered their opinions on the various choices.  This was fine by me as the choice seemed to be unanimous.  Pictured above is the winner.  I think the jewel toned purple shows better in person, but you get the idea.

 
 It seems at this stage of life it's harder to find clothes I'm happy with because I'm trying to camouflage so many things.  This dress seemed to cover all the bases pretty well.  The only thing I found somewhat problematic is the wideness of the cut across the back.  Maybe I'm too modest, but I can't stand to have my bra straps popping out.  


I decided to visit the lingerie department when I returned the unwanted dresses to Dillard's.  Perhaps a new bra would solve the problem.  As I was heading for the fitting room with one purple number (thinking the color might blend with the dress if it were to pop out), the sales clerk inquired whether I would be interested in a bra fitting.  Although I remember well the show Oprah did on this subject urging all women to get a proper fitting, I didn't think I wanted to subject myself to that.
After trying on the one I selected and thinking more about her offer, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go for it. So I quickly sought out the bra fitter and muttered my wish before I chickened out.  Much to my horror it was the day she was training a new gal so the two of them joined me in the fitting room and the fun  began.
It wasn't long before I let go of my inhibitions and listened intently to the finer points of selecting a proper fitting bra.

 Without going into the boring details, suffice it to say I feel like a new woman and the bra size I've been wearing for years and years wasn't even close to being correct.

 I tried the dress on over the correct sized bra and marveled at the difference.  No funny bumps in strange places, no straps showing and a nice smooth appearance under the somewhat clingy dress.
Best of all . . .

 It was a very uplifting experience (if you know what I mean :).

Although I was a bit hesitant to subject myself to this ordeal, I'm so glad I did.  In fact I wish I'd done it years ago.  I came home and tossed 12 bras that have been in my drawer for years.  Every time I bought one in the past I was sure it was the right one until I wore it and discovered things I didn't like about it.  Now I feel very confident with the way I look and feel in my new undergarment.
I didn't purchase the Maidenform brand, but I had to laugh at the claims being made in these vintage ads.  All adds courtesy of Google Images.

 As you can tell I am pleased with my new purchases from the lingerie department.  I'm not sure that I feel like a fireman though.

I think I'll stick to serving tea.
 
 Any interesting bra stories you'd care to share as long as we're having a little girl talk?



 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

In a Soggy Slump


Not a very inspiring title is it?
But, it seems to be the way things are around here.
These gray days are getting on my nerves. 


A container planted in June.

If you could see it now... a few mushy stalks and nary a flower in sight.
I should probably care about making it look nicer as it's right out side the front door, but to be honest I'm just ignoring it until it's time to plant for fall. 
 


 Multi colored hibiscus tree underplanted with million bells.

The hibiscus is still flowering nicely.
Despite my best efforts the million bells died a slow death.

I realize this post could look entirely different (in a scary kind of way) if I were to post photos of what these same flowers look like today.  They look about the way I feel... in a slump.  Sick?  No.
Depressed?  No.  Just in a lethargic, uninspired, tired of gray gloom kind of slump.

Why am I posting this drivel today?
I have no idea other than it seemed like time to put up a new post and the inspiration, interest & desire to do so were eluding me.
I've been visiting all over the blogosphere and decided that that's not necessarily the best thing to do in the throes of a slump.  It can make one feel like they should be transforming a room, whipping up a gourmet meal, taking photos like a pro, etc...

I guess it all goes back to that debate we sometimes have in blogland... do we only share the pretty nice things or keep it a little more real?  Without prattling on further, I'm here to say while I strive to be happy @ home, in reality there are grumpy days too.  Sometimes with good reason and other times for no other reason than being fed up with gloomy weather.  


For better or worse I'm keeping it real today.

 


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Thinking Ahead


 For some reason I have been answering the call of Fall despite the fact that it is only August.  My recent stops at the thrift shop have yielded fall treasures that I've been squirrelling away at home in anticipation of the upcoming autumn season.

With thrift shopping you have to buy it when you see it as it's not likely to be there if you wait to buy things in the correct season.  Christmas in July, Easter in February, Fall in August... sure, it all makes sense in the land of thrift shopping :).

I do think our unusually gray, rainy summer has contributed to my longing for all things autumn.  Heck if it's going to look like autumn it might as well be autumn.  Well, not really.  I don't think I want to rush into it that fast, but I am feeling a bit of excitement in the air for the season of cozy cuddle-up, sweater wearin', cider sippin', nip in the air, pumpkin pickin' Fall.  

So, a little collage with a few of my recent thrifty finds (l to r, top to bottom):

1.  beautiful white linen placemats featuring fall leaves

2.  votive holder painted with leaves, acorns & berries

3.  white soup tureen with leafy design & pear shaped handle (can hardly wait to fill it with butternut squash soup).   

4.  orange, clove & cinnamon essential oil candle

5.  cozy cream cardigan 

6.  brand new "Farmer's Market" Yankee candle
(for 80 cents no less).

Okay, carry on with summer.
Fall will arrive soon enough and when it does I'll be ready.